About St. Joseph's Care Group

East Wing Project

St. Joseph’s Hospital is growing and changing. That’s really our tradition: changing to meet the unmet needs of the community since 1884. Read on to learn more about this $54 million capital project designed to deliver care for body, mind and spirit.

Project Highlights

On completion, the East Wing will add 100,000 square feet of floor space, increasing the size of St. Joseph’s Hospital by 43%

38 private rooms for inpatient specialized mental health rehabilitation as well as common living and dining spaces to assist in the rehabilitation process

A covered walkway from the Waterfront Parkade to the main entrance

A new main entrance with more space to drop off/pick up clients

Refreshed cafeteria

A living wall and new green spaces

Contemplation Space (spiritual space)

Additional meeting rooms

Expanded library including places to study and collaborate

“Construction of the East Wing at St. Joseph’s Hospital is nearly complete. This 100,000 square foot addition will help to realize our vision of providing rehabilitation (physical or mental health) in one location. This project will bring to life specialized mental health rehabilitation where clients will participate in their care in a home-like setting filled with natural light and green spaces as they gain the skills and supports needed to live well in the community with mental illness.”

In June of 1996, the Ontario Health Services Restructuring Report recommended decommissioning the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital. Nearly 10 years after that report was issued, funding was announced for the building of a new wing at St. Joseph’s Hospital to house 38 inpatient mental health beds.

Groundbreaking for construction of the East Wing took place in June of 2015, with staff and clients expected to move into the new space early in 2018.

During the period between the Commission’s report and construction of the East Wing, there was a lot of work to be done. The transition to community means having the right programs, services, supports and housing available to people living with mental illness. Select highlights include moving outpatient mental health services to a community setting, increasing the number of medium and high-support housing spaces, and adopting a psychosocial model of rehabilitation.

The following is a timeline of key events

Date

Event

1996, June

The Ontario Health Services Restructuring Commission releases a report recommending the closure of the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, along with Hogarth/Westmount Hospital and McKellar Hospital.

1997

Franklin Manor High Support Home Opens

2000

Wilson Place Medium Support Home Opens

2003, June

Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital staff divested from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to St. Joseph’s Care Group.

2004

Ward Manor High Support Home Opens

2005

Forensics Programs transfers from LPH to TBRHSC

2005

Funding announced for the building of a new wing at St. Joseph’s Hospital that will house 38 inpatient mental health beds